Our Catharine Blaine girls’ soccer team has been champions for Blaine every year post covid (3 years and potentially more). Common questions asked are: how are they so good? How do they keep up with this streak? What is the key to success? After meeting with multiple of the players and speaking to Mr. Self, the Blaine coach of the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams (boys have also been champions the past three years) I can see there are multiple reasons why they always come out on top. I had the chance to interview the technical bunch. A sixth grader, Brooke Maly ‘32 had a few thoughts on the topic.
I asked her, “How do you feel being a sixth grader on the Blaine team? Is it hard to keep up? Do you fit in?”
“I like being able to play with people older than me, even if they are stronger and bigger I like the competitiveness. All the girls are really nice and make me feel included, and I get to play with my friends!” She answered. It’s clear that internally, the team is strong and has built up friendship and tight knit dynamic. This is an indicator of why the team always seems to have such good chemistry! For example, the team played Salmon Bay over this past weekend and won 5-0. This is huge because Salmon Bay has been Blaine’s biggest rival for many years.
I also asked a 7th grader to provide a comment. Reese ‘31 was the perfect girl to ask about teamwork, as the team’s part time goalie and this is her second year on the team.
“Reese, what is your favorite part of being on the team? Why do you think it works?” I asked “We are very bonded” she answered, similar to Brooke. “We have a lot of sportsmanship, and we are all actively trying to do the right thing, we are also a small school, so we are friends on and off the field.” This statement represents not only our soccer team, but our school! Even though we are small, we have a strong community, and it shows on the pitch.
I talked to an 8th grader, Teagan ‘30, who has a streak of getting at least 1 goal per game this season; she had a lot to say about the team and her pride in it.” Every year players bring something new and different to the team, with all those skills combined it makes a really fun and creative group that allows us to win championships” Between Cora ‘30’s left foot, Reese ‘32’s runs down the line, Annie ‘30’s technical skill, and much more it’s safe to say that everyone on the team brings so much value. It’s the reason the team can trust each other and score goals.
Everyone on this team is an amazing soccer player. Everyone is such a great sport and brings different skills to the team. The team is so cohesive because they know they can trust each other and that the person they pass to can do something smart with the ball. Can’t wait for the rest of the season, come to the girls’ games to enjoy their awesome play!
By Hanna Maly